Hi everyone!

So a few updates…

Those who know me know that I hate this with everything I have in me. However, between falls and other behaviors, I have come to the point that I’m unable to work. My body has started giving out and I am now at a point where walking requires mobility aids, lots of breaks, and gritting my teeth.

With this, I was taken out of work in June 2025 after a cardiac event that they decided was a response to extreme stress and low magnesium. I attempted to work part-time and remote, but ultimately ended up being a liability to the company and was let go.

I have done everything I can to prevent this, but I am currently staying in a homeless shelter. This is not ideal, as being in the elements, malnutrition, and not having adequate hydration has caused my condition to deteriorate significantly.

I will lose my bed in the shelter on 12/27. There are no other shelters for women in the area. I am lucky enough to have a vehicle as a last resort. My best friend has taken great care of my 13-year-old chihuahua, but she also is leaving on 12/27. I need to stay in Virginia due to having all of my medical needs set up through Virginia.

I know that this time is a rough one, and I know that we are all feeling the squeeze.

Here is what I am trying to take care of:

Fiona - she is my top priority, but I’d really love to be close enough to say hello. She’s in her golden years and it’s breaking my heart to not be with her.

Gas - my car has really good gas mileage, but because of laws in the area, you have to move where you park regularly. That means you have to have gas to do so.

Food - I will be losing EBT due to the requirement of being “employed” for 80 hours a month. I currently know where there is at least one meal a day, most of the time two, but this also takes gas.

Temporary shelter - I’m not sure what options I would have. I know I’m on 9 different lists. I am over 100 people in line for most, and in the 900s for any sort of housing vouchers.

Pay past due bills - I have a gas bill, electric bill, water bill, and 2 loans that I need to pay back. I’m already going to have to declare bankruptcy, so I am not too stressed about that.

I have a lawyer who is working on my disability case who has stated that I qualify based on the normal application of the guidelines, but with the ever-changing regulations, he is trying very hard. I paid into Social Security disability for over 20 years, so if awarded, I would not need to worry about housing, as I would be able to afford it.

I hate to ask this, but I’m at a point where I need help. I am at a point that I’m not sure what my next move is - I’m still trying everything, but nothing is going to change in the next ten days except for having a place to sleep.

I will say that this experience has been traumatic, but I have connected with people in a genuine way. I have been witness to wonderful stories, and then stories where someone that I slept in the same room with is no longer on this planet. I have seen firsthand the disgust in the faces of people who are meant to help. I have learned to be grateful for what I have and to share what I can. Some of the people in the shelter are the most generous people. There is something about survival that helps people come together.

Please don’t give if it will hurt you. If you have a way other than monetary support that you want to reach out to me about, I would be grateful. I never wanted to be this person but at this point - I’m hoping for a miracle.

Thank you all!